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Saturday

There was an article very recently published in The Straits Times about a Swazi politician's call for HIV-positive people to be branded on the buttocks.

The article is as follow:

May 27, 2009HIV branding call fuels debate

JOHANNESBURG - SWAZI residents were asked on Tuesday to debate a politician's call for HIV positive citizens to be branded on the buttocks, which has sparked an uproar in the small mountain kingdom.

The Times of Swaziland asked for feedback on best ways to combat HIV and rights to freedom of speech after Timothy Myeni told fellow politicians that all Swazis should be tested for HIV and their backsides marked if infected.

'I have a solution to this virus. The solution will come from a law that will make it compulsory to test for HIV. Once you test positive, you should be branded on the buttocks,' the member of parliament said last week.

'Before having sex with anyone, people will then check the buttocks of their partners before proceeding with their mission,' the newspaper reported him saying.

Landlocked Swaziland is one of the world's poorest nations with the highest HIV prevalence in the world under the rule of Africa's last absolute monarch King Mswati III.

Mr Miyeni, who leads a popular gospel group, has stuck to his call for compulsory HIV testing but apologised for the buttocks branding suggestion.

'I am very sorry for saying HIV positive people should be branded, I did not know it would turn out like this. I have seen that the suggestion was very offensive and many think I was discriminating, so I withdraw my statement,' he said last week.

Reader responses will be published in the Times of Swaziland next Tuesday, the newspaper said in its online edition. -- AFP

Hey Guys! Have you ever wondered why are they so many AIDS myths? When AIDS became known, it was a very mysterious disease that caused the death of many people. Back then, there were many unanswered questions about the disease, people reacted with fear and came up with stories to back up their fear. And surprisingly, most of these had to do with how easy it was to become infected with HIV, while the truth is most of these are not true.

Transmission Myths

Many people believed that HIV and AIDS could be transmitted by a mosquito bite, by sharing a drinking glass with someone with AIDS, by being around someone with AIDS who was coughing, by hugging or kissing someone with AIDS, and so on. Transmission can only occur if someone is exposed to blood, semen, vaginal fluid or mother's milk from an infected person. There is no documentation of transmission from the tears or saliva of an infected person.

Myth: A woman with HIV infection can't have children without infecting them.Reality: Without any treatment, HIV-infected mothers pass HIV to their newborns about 25% of the time. However, with modern treatments, this rate has dropped to only about 2%.

Myth: HIV is being spread by needles left in theater seats or vending machine coin returns.Reality: There is no documented case of this type of transmission.

Myths About a Cure

It can be very scary to have HIV infection or AIDS. The course of the disease is not very predictable. Some people get very sick in just a few months. Others live healthy lives for 20 years or more. The treatments can be difficult to take, with serious side effects. Not everyone can afford the medications. It's not surprising that scam artists have come up with several "cures" for AIDS that involve a variety of substances. Unfortunately, none of these "cures" work. A very unfortunate myth in some parts of the world is that having sex with a virgin will cure AIDS. As a result, many young girls have been exposed to HIV and have developed AIDS. There is no evidence to support this belief.

Myth: Current medications can cure AIDS. It's no big deal if you get infected.Reality: Today's medications have cut the death rate from AIDS by about 80%. They are also easier to take than they used to be. However, they still have side effects, are very expensive, and have to be taken every day for the rest of your life. If you miss too many doses, HIV can develop resistance to the drugs you are taking and they'll stop working.

AIDS Is a Death Sentence

In the 1980s, there was a very high death rate from AIDS. However, medications have improved dramatically and so has the life span of people with HIV infection. If you have access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and to medical monitoring, there's no reason you can't live a long life even with HIV infection or AIDS.

Myths About Medications

It has been very challenging for doctors to choose the best anti-HIV medications (ARVs) for their patients. When the first drugs were developed, they had to be taken as many as three times a day. Some drugs had complicated requirements about storage, or what kind of food they had to be taken with (or how long you had to wait after eating before taking a dose). The reality of ARVs has changed dramatically. However, there are still some myths:

Myth: You have to take your doses exactly 12 (or 8, or 24) hours apart.Reality: Medications today are fairly forgiving. Although you will have the most consistent blood levels of your drugs if they are taken at even intervals through the day, they won't stop working if you're off by an hour or two. However, people taking Crixivan® (indinavir) without ritonavir need to be very careful about timing.

Myth: You have to take 100% of your doses on time or else they'll stop working.Reality: It's very important to take AIDS medications correctly. In fact, if you miss more than about 5% of your doses, HIV has an easier time developing resistance and possibly being able to multiply even when you're taking ARVs. However, 100% adherence is not realistic for just about anyone. Do the best you can and be sure to let your health care provider what's going on.

Myth: Current drugs are so strong that you can stop taking them (take a drug holiday) with no problem.Reality: Ever since the first AIDS drugs were developed, patients have wanted to stop taking them due to side effects or just being reminded that they had AIDS. There have been many studies of "treatment interruptions" and all of them have shown that stopping your ARVs is very likely to cause problems. You could give the virus a chance to multiply or your count of CD4 cells could drop, a sign of immune damage.

Myth: AIDS drugs are poison and are more dangerous than the HIV virus.Reality: When the first AIDS drugs became available, they weren't as good as current medications. People still died of AIDS-related conditions. It's true that some people get serious side effects from AIDS medications, but the death rate in the US has dropped by about 80%. Researchers are working hard to make HIV treatments easier and safer to use.

Thursday

As a swine flu virus appears to make its way across the world, so has misinformation and confusion about what the virus is and what sort of threat it poses, partcularly with people living with HIV/AIDS. Below is an extracted article taken from an interiew with Dr Gallant, a professor of Medicine and Epidemiology in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the John Hopkins University of Medicine, USA.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu is just a new strain of flu that has not been circulating in the population. As a result, nobody has any immunity to it. It's an influenza virus, just like other influenza viruses, but it's just one that human beings haven't seen before and as a result, our immune systems don't have any memory of it and that makes us a little more vulnerable.

When it comes to people living with HIV then, how does this translate? Are people with HIV more at risk for coming down with swine flu?

Not really. HIV-infected people are not in general at greater risk of influenza or flu than other people. And that's in part because the cellular immune system, the part of the immune system that the CD4 cells comprise, is not really responsible for fighting the flu. As a result, HIV doesn't make you more susceptible. For most people with HIV, the swine flu is pretty much the same as it would be with somebody without HIV.

The only exception to that is that because people with HIV are at higher risk for pneumonia and because flu can increase your risk of pneumonia as a complication of flu, people with low CD4 cells could be at higher risk of complications of flu if they do get the flu and that the most important complication is pneumonia.

So the bottom line is that if you're HIV positive, but you're on HIV medications and doing well and have a reasonably good CD4, then there's probably not much to worry about. But if you're quite immunosuppressed -- if your CD4 is well below 200 -- then there is a slightly increased risk, but certainly not the same level as the risk of some other diseases like tuberculosis or something like that where the CD4 cells are so important.

It sounds like people living with HIV have a greater risk of not gettting swine flu necessarily, but of suffering implications related to it if they have a low CD4 count.

That's right, yes. The risk of getting the flu is the same.

So we are assuming the viral load does not make a different here?

Probably not much. Again, the viral load could contribute a little bit to the risk of complicated flu, if you had a high viral load. Although, I suspect the CD4 count would be a little more important.

Certainly at our clinic we try to vaccinate everybody against the flu, but in general, if you look at most influenza seasons, we really don't see a lot of people getting really sick from the flu. We don't really see a lot of need for hospitalization. And certainly, we don't see a lot of deaths.

So I think that with respect to the swine flu, it shouldn't be much different given what we know so far about this strain now. Although, again, this is a new epidemic and we may get more information as time moves along.

Are there any precautions for HIV-positive people need to take to protect themselves from swine flu?

It's pretty much the same as for anyone else. Normally I would say get a vaccination, but that's not available yet for this strain of flu, so the next best thing you can do is:

Try to stay away from people who are sick.

Wash your hands -- because hand contact is a very common way of spreading this.

If there's flu going on in your community and you can avoid being in crowded places with a lot of people, that probably would help.

But short of that, there's not really much you could do.

Well is there anything else you'd want to tell the HIV-positive people listening to the swine flu craziness that's now overwhelming the news?

For the most part, I've been reassuring my patients that they don't really have to think about this fludifferently than anyone else. And that's in part because most of my patients are on HIV treatment and have undetectable viral loads and have decent CD4 counts. So for them, it really is not a special issue. It's an issue we all have to be concerned about.

I think so far the news from the United States at least is that this is likely to become a bigger epidemic than it is today, but so far it seems to be fairly mild. But given what's gone on in Mexico, I do think we have to be certainly vigilant about it. And I think that we'll just have to see over the next few days how things play out.

Since its finally my turn to post on the blog today! I want to first and foremost say a happy belated BIRTHDAY TO CARMEN! From now on, I'll officially be the youngest intern in our Red Project Team! Damn! Anyhow! I had a really good time spending time with all the interns and some of the other Red project member.

Yesterday we also had our HIV workshoP! The participants were great at participating in all of our activities and asked us a lot of questions! Personally, I really like our workshops because it is not as boring as the others. Our interactive workshop makes everyone more alive =) so GREAT JOB TO EVERYONE WHO HAVE PUT IN TREMENDOUS EFFORT INTO YESTERDAY'S WORKSHOP!!

Monday

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

The letters HIV stand for Human Immunodefiency Virus. This virus infects cells of the human immune system and destroys them or stops them from working. Someone whose immune system has been damaged by HIV is much more vulnerable to infections and cancers.

AIDS is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Someone with HIV does not have AIDS unless their immune system has been severely weakened. By this point, the person will have developed one of a number of particularly severe illnesses, or will have lost most of their immune system cells.

What are the symptoms of HIV and AIDS?

It is not possible to reliably diagnose HIV infection or AIDS based on symptoms alone.

People living with HIV may feel and look completely well but their immune systems may nevertheless be damaged. It is important to remember that once someone is infected they can pass on HIV right away, even if they feel healthy.

As time passes without effective treatment, HIV weakens an infected person's immune system, making them much more vulnerable toopportunistic infections. These infections are caused by germs that are around us all the time but which can normally be fought off by a healthy immune system. Once HIV has broken down the body's defences, such infections can take hold and produce any of a wide range of symptoms - some of them very severe. Certain cancers also become more common when the immune system is weakened.

Such symptoms are, however, not caused directly by HIV, and they can't by themselves be interpreted as definite signs of HIV infection or AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS requires signs of severe immune deficiency, which cannot be explained by any factor except HIV. This generally requires an HIV test.

The only way to know for sure whether a person is infected with HIV is for them to have an HIV test.

So does HIV by itself have any symptoms?

Some people who become infected with HIV do not notice any immediate change in their health. However, some suffer from a brief flu-like illness within a few weeks of becoming infected, or develop a rash or swollen glands. These symptoms do not indicate the development of AIDS, and they usually disappear within a few days or weeks.

"I have flu-like symptoms/swollen glands - could it be HIV?"

Many illnesses have flu-like symptoms or cause swollen glands. You cannot have HIV unless you have been directly exposed to the virus. HIV can be transmitted during sexual intercourse with an infected person, through contact with infected blood or breastmilk, or during unsafe injections or medical procedures. The only way you can find out whether or not you have been infected is to have an HIV test.

Since I am the oldest intern that is here, I was privileged to post the first story..

Already a month here in Malaysia, I cant believe that I am in the middle of my internship!

So far I have only discovered the areas around UKM and the KL.. but some of us are visiting Phuket in Thursday and I am sooo excited about it! I hope the waters will be suitable to learn surfing ;)

What else? On Wednesday we will have the second workshop that I will participate and I am pretty excited and waiting for that! I think this is my favorite part of the internship: facilitating and presenting to our wonderful audience..

Friday

The Red Project is a fully student-run, not-for-profit project by AIESEC in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) under the umbrella of AIESEC Malaysia’s National HIV Initiative. This project aims to:

give education on HIV/AIDS,

to provide international internship opportunities, and

to build up leadership skills.

What we basically do is we conduct HIV workshops for schools/ colleges/ institutions/ organizations. Through AIESEC’s Global Talent Program, we bring in international volunteers to conduct these workshops.

OUR OBJECTIVES

to increase the awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst youths

to reduce stigma and misconceptions towards HIV/AIDS

to provide a platform for local youths to interact with international students from diverse background

OUR WORKSHOPS

Our workshops are conducted free-of-charge and have the approval of the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

We have two kinds of workshops :

HIV 101

A short and concise workshop on all-you-need-to-know about HIV/AIDS

One session only

One session will take 1-1.5 hour

HIV the series

A series of 5 thorough workshops focusing on different topics of HIV/AIDS

A total of 5 sessions

Each sessions will take 1-1.5 hour; the workshop will therefore stretch to one full day or each session per day, conducted over a week.

If you're interested in the workshops we conduct, do not hesitate to contact us, the RED TEAM. We will try our very best to customize the workshops to your needs whether in terms of audience maturity level or duration.

For this project, Malaysian AIDS Council is a learning partner providing us with training of facilitators and resource materials.

AIESEC invites

Your Organization

to invite us to conductThe Red Project

About AIESEC

What is AIESEC?

AIESEC is a global, non-political, independent, not-for-profit organization run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education. Our members are interested in world issues, leadership and management.

AIESEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national, ethnic or social origin.

AIESEC in Malaysia

Currently, there are nine local institutions of higher learning in Malaysia with an AIESEC local committee

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, disabling the body's natural protection against external infections. HIV only affects human beings and its presence can be detected through an HIV antibody test. HIV is highly concentrated in blood, semen and vaginal fluid but is present in very low concentrations in saliva and tears.. HIV is a very 'intelligent' virus. It can mutate and hide inside the human body, which makes it an almost invincible target. However, outside the human body, the virus is weak. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 'Acquired' means something that is not inherited. 'Immune Deficiency' means a weakened immune system that is unable to resist oncoming diseases. 'Syndrome' means signs and symptoms of an illness.

AIDS is the condition whereby HIV has destroyed a person's immune system, such that it is unable to defend the body from opportunistic diseases. Examples of common opportunistic infections in a person who has developed AIDS are Kaposi's Sarcoma, Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) and Tuberculosis.

What do HIV-positive people look like?

You don't know who has HIV. Anyone can be infected with HIV. It is not who you are, but more so what you do that puts you at risk of an HIV infection. HIV-positive people may look and feel healthy but at the same time, they are able to transmit the virus to others. It is not possible to identify an HIV-positive person based on how they look on the outside. Prevention is, by far, still the best method for avoiding HIV infection.

what are HIV symptoms

Rapid weigh loss

Dry cough

Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

Profound and unexplained fatigue

Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat

Pneumonia

Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids.

memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders.

Is there a cure?

HIV cannot be cured. There are ongoing research projects to find a vaccine that could prevent HIV infection. Once you are infected with HIV, you will stay infected for the rest of your life. There is a range of medications known as antiretroviral drugs that suppresses the virus's ability to replicate itself. As a result, there are less chances of HIV infecting other CD4 cells. These drugs, however, are not a cure for AIDS.

With the participation of international student volunteers, we conduct face-to-face workshops for youths age 16 - 24.

Our workshops are free-of-charge (just contact us!), flexible, and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Using the Standard Chartered Living with HIV education module, we can tailor our program to suit our audience's age/ maturity level, session, or workshop duration.

Be it for secondary school/ college/ university students or to young working adults, be it in a classroom, lecture hall, camp or conference, or be it a short 45 minutes concise session to an elaborate weekly month-long session, we can customize our sessions to your needs.

This is Luna from Hong Kong! Currently I am a final student studying Marketing in City University of Hong Kong. The reason for me to apply for the RED project is to contribute to the world by educating people and increasing public awareness on HIV/AIDS issue. Although this is my second time travel to Malaysia, I have no chance to contact with local students in my previous vocation. Therefore, I treasure this internship offer giving me a taste of working overseas with people from different countries, and it is no doubt that we can gain invaluable friendship within several weeks. Besides conducting HIV/AIDS workshops in private institutions, we also visit the patients suffering from HIV/AIDS which is a memorable experience! 6-weeks passed, I am sure that I will miss my dear friends in Malaysia! =)

Karel-Maria Hodge (Canada)

HEY AIESEC!

My name is Karel-Maria Hodge and I’m from the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean but I’m currently in my 3rd year of studying Psychology and Human Resource at Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, Canada. It’s my love for learning about different types of people that led me to study Psychology as well as join AIESEC. HIV/AIDS is a serious problem all over the world, especially in my Caribbean home and so when the offer presented itself to not only fight this epidemic as well as travel to this beautiful place I jumped at the chance and haven’t regretted one bit of the journey. I hope to leave this experience with a new understanding of Malaysian culture as well and to help alleviate the threat of HIV/AIDS here in at least some small way. I also hope to gain new friends, experiences and skills I may use throughout the rest of my life that I may never have without AIESEC.

Hazel Mae Pastrana (Philippines)

Hi! I’m Mae from the Philippines. I am currently taking up, Business Administration at the University of the Philippines. I decided to join AIESEC’s Global Internship Program because I wanted to experience and get a glimpse of what Malaysia is. I got to experience Malaysian hospitality, eat really spicy food, see how beautiful Kuala Lumpur is and immerse myself into a different culture. More than work, I see this internship as my mission. Every workshop conducted was a mission accomplished and gave me a sense of fulfillment. This definitely is a worthwhile experience and I want to encourage all of you to be part of this wonderful project. Not only will you learn more about the realities concerning HIV/AIDS, you will be helping people to be more aware about it and let the world know the stories of those people living with HIV/AIDS.

Son (Vietnam)

Hi,I'm Son from Ho Chi Minh,Viet Nam.I just graduated Bachelor of Business Administration at Van Lang University one months ago.Now,i currently working in the Marketing Department for the Red Project. It's so great to go here to make a lot of new friends,the culture shocks.Besides that I have a chance to travel to the beautiful places with many interns from different countries. Especially,I met the HIV patients and got so much knowledge,belief of life from their story. I totally believe that my internship in here help me get a lot of useful skills and experience to become more mature and confident as well from working under Red Project. Finally,I wish all interns and AIESECer's UKM could make an awesome conference at 11th of June at UKM!

Samantha ( Canada)

Hey everyone! My name is Samantha and I’m from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I’m currently a 4th year student at the University of British Columbia majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics with a minor in Commerce. I became an AIESECer and joined the Red Project because I wanted to work on my leadership skills and impact the world on a global level at the same time. In this world, people have been discriminated for their race, religion, having an illness, or simply for being different. There is no doubt that people living with HIV/AIDS are still shrouded by a negative connotation. So what’s my philosophy? I believe that every individual has the capability to make a difference in this world, whether it be large or small. With everyone’s efforts combined, something truly amazing will be realized. It’s a pleasure to be a Red Agent and I’m certain that I’ll learn lots during my internship in Malaysia. Go Red Team Go!!!

Liping (China)

Hi,i am Liping from China, now i am studying Electronic and Information Engineering,soon i will continue my master's degree in LUND university this autumn in sweden.I like traveling and photographing.This is my second intern in AIESEC.Being a part of this project is really my big opportunity to get to know and help who are suffering from HIV &AIDS!Malaysia &AIESEC give me a AMAZING and UNIQUE experience that i will never forget.And also meet some awesome new friends here,since i will leave in the next week,i wll MISS you all!!!! LOVE Malaysia &AIESEC !!!!!!

Dige Wang (China)

Hey AIESEC! Are you ready to rock the world?

I'm Dige Wang from Beijing, China, you can call me Gracie cause I know the Chinese pronunciation is too difficult for you.

To be a intern in a HIV/AIDS project is the reason why I join AIESEC, there are nearly 33 million people suffered by AIDS and we human beings have found no way to cure them. So the issue have to be faced through coordinated action among countries and not in isolation. Thus I join the UKM's The Red Project and become a member of publicity department cause I am studying Communication and Journalism in Ocean University of China. I want to promote our AIDS conference and make more people have the knowledge of AIDS. AIDS is preventable and we shouldn't fear it. So join us! Let's strive to make a better world!!

Rachelle (Philippines)

Hi! I'm Rachelle from the Philippines. I am a graduate of an AB International Studies major in Asian Studies course at the Ateneo de Davao University. As a fresh graduate, I took my first path to my future by choosing to join AIESEC. This organization made me believe that it would help me grow as an individual in this society, contributing a change that is for the betterment of our world and society. As my first step, I joined the Red Project Team here in UKM, Malaysia. HIV/AIDS has been one of the most serious issues not only here in Malaysia but also in other parts of the globe. Therefore by bringing awareness to people regarding HIV/AIDS and even its misconceptions, slowly but surely, we can make a change. As Red Agents, let’s all do our best!

Ala’ Omar (Phillipines)

Hi! I am Ala’ Omar from the beautiful Philippine Islands. Currently, I am a senior at the University of the Philippines Diliman majoring in Business Administration. As an AIESECer, I really wanted to experience exchange for myself as I have heard a lot of very inspiring stories from those who have done it before. I was looking forward to working with an international team, getting to interact with the locals especially through the workshops we conduct, and of course experiencing how beautiful Malaysia is through traveling around with old and new friends. So far, everything has been an amazing learning experience which has helped me to develop into a more socially-responsible person. AIESEC has helped me to grow personally and professionally while making a positive impact on the society. I truly feel that the issue on HIV/AIDS is something that cannot be taken for granted because it is unfair for anyone to live in the dark or in isolation because of fear of judgment or fear of rejection. I truly hope that through this project, the number of people educated about HIV/AIDS will increase and the number of cases will decrease. Working on the Red Project is a very fulfilling experience. Go Red Team! :D

Giada (Italy)

Hi! ☺ My name is Giada, I'm 25 years old and I come from Italy. I am currently a master student in Politics&Government at Venice Ca’Foscari University. I was looking for a life changing experience, so I joined Aiesec and took off for Malaysia. I decided to join the Red Project because I strongly believe that bring awareness to one of the deadliest diseases of our times, that is AIDS, is absolutely necessary to improve the life condition of our global community. Being informed on this issue should be considered a basic human right, so here I am, trying my best to do something concrete!!

Lawrence ( Canada)

Hey! I'm Lawrence from Winnipeg, Canada, the land of ice and snow (and bison). I've just completed an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, and I'm beginning medical school in August. I've learned all about how HIV hijacks cells in the body and how it uses incredible machinery to replicate itself. What I find just as interesting is the complete picture of someone who has HIV, in terms of the huge social, personal, and familial changes that are involved in living with this disease. Being in Malaysia, the country both my parents were born and raised in, makes it all the more exciting - this is a beautiful country, despite the intense heat and humidity!!

Quiana Pumanes (Philipines)

Hi! I’m Quiana Pumanes from Quezon City, Philippines. I’m an incoming Business Administration senior in the University of the Philippines Diliman. Being a Red Agent has been a great learning experience for me. I’m really glad I was able to know more about HIV/AIDS and spread awareness to a lot of people especially the youth. I enjoyed working with a diverse set of people coming from different parts of the world who also have a mission of making people aware of such a serious issue. Experiencing all this in a beautiful country like Malaysia was really fun because I was able to do it along with my 3 close friends from the Philippines. In our own small ways, we know we are making an impact in the world.

The Red Agents of 2010

Heya, greetings from UKM! Or alternatively, greetings from a HKer! I enjoy football, rugby, music, movies and the occasional reading. Having just finished the freshmen year in HKU I looked for a memorable and unique experience in the coming summer. Through AIESEC I have been able to get in touch with the Red Project, and I have high expectations for it! On one hand, the HIV/AIDS issue relates to my biology studies, while on the other hand, the hands-on approach in this TN provides me a direct way of contributing to society, not to mention enabling me to develop some leadership skills! Aside from this, one gets to meet new friends, experience Malaysian lifestyle, do some travelling (hopefully), learn how to wash clothes without a washing machine and cook...

Karla Marianne Caraan (The Philippines)

Mabuhay! I am Karla Marianne Caraan from AIESEC in the Philippines. I am 18 years old, currently taking up BS Business Administration and Accountancy at the University of the Philippines. I have always wanted to go on exchange abroad, and as The Red Project - HIV/AIDS in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia presented itself, I could not resist the opportunity.

The AIDS epidemic has been a pressing issue for years now and it must be addressed incessantly. People need to be educated and I am proud to be part of a team that fulfills this mission. I am excited to work with a team that has members originating from different parts of the world and with different cultures and beliefs. It inspires me how we are so different yet similar in a lot of ways like having the passion to spread HIV/AIDS awareness like wildfire.

In our own ways, may it be simple or something grand, we could achieve a positive impact on our society. By being an AIESECer and a Red Agent, I hope to create a ripple effect in disseminating knowledge about HIV/AIDS and have fun while doing so. It is a pleasure to be here in Malaysia and to represent the Philippines. Let’s rock TRP!

Kim Min Jeong (The Philippines/South Korea)

Hello! I’m Min Jeong from the Philippines. My family has moved to the Philippines when I was 8 years old (I’m a Korean!) I’m an incoming senior in University of the Philippines Diliman majoring in BS Business Economicsit really was fortunate that I was able to join this team in Malaysia and meet all of you guys! Isn’t it exciting when you think that we were able to meet each other from millions and billions of people all around the world? Well I am! I hope to grow to be an individually and socially responsible person through this experience. Hope to learn and share different things with all of you!

Lim Sowoon (South Korea)

Hiya :)I'm Sowoon Lim from South Korea. I'm a 4th year student in Sookmyung Women's University.My major is Mass communication and Minor is Law.It is my first time to live in other countrymeet various people.. I'm so excited now !I'm soooooooooo happy to participate in 'The Red Project 2010'As a Red Agent, I'll do my best to aware the people who don't know well about HIV/AIDS.

Sunzir Ahmed (Bangladesh)

Hey guys, this is Sunzir Ahmed from Bangladesh. I am one of the exchange participant from Bangladesh to Malaysia. Before being here i used to work in an advertising agency in my home town. I am flexible and always interested in trying new things. When i got the opportunity to work with AIESEC in UKM, Malaysia for The Red Project 2010 then I just pack my bag and join them.

Working for humankind is ways interesting and a common passion of all. I am not different. got an opportunity for 2 months and trying to utilize it in the best possible ways. That will inspire me for doing more.

This is my 1st time in Malaysia and also 1st time exchanging as a student. Before being here I knew the basis about this country & culture. Now being here i start knowing people, culture, custom, thoughts and so many things. Exchanging ideas are one of the most interesting things happening here. It's very interesting to work with people from different countries in the same team. It is also nice to represent Bangladesh in front of so many people from different countries.

Before, working this project I never read and tried to know about HIV/AIDS this much. In this process I start to know more than the basic. So as we all do "expecting a successful end of this project"

Pray for me so that, I can be a good man in this mankind.

Jennifer Hossain (Bangladesh)

Hey, I am Jennifer Hossain, the enthusiastic, self motivated and challenge driven Exchange Participant of AIESEC from Bangladesh. I have done my four years Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Independent University, Bangladesh. My major is Marketing and Minor is Media Development Communication.

I worked one year for A Positive Advertising Limited, the Advertising Agency in Bangladesh as Executive in Research & Strategic planning, six months at infoAnalytica, the USA Based Management Consultant Firm as Research Associate in India. Now I am working for “The Red Project-HIV/AIDS” under AIESEC in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) because, I am passionate to create a sense of contribution to the society.

“The Red Project” is helping me to develop intercultural awareness and competence through reflection on the experience of working abroad. It is providing me an opportunity for total immersion in a foreign culture, in a way that merely travelling through cannot. It is enhancing my employability in developing certain strengths and skills such as initiative and determination, communication skills - through working with people from different cultural backgrounds, overcoming language barriers and flexibility - by adapting new and unfamiliar work cultures. By working in a new environment with University, now I am able to gain teamwork, leadership, self-confidence and responsibility.

I am representative of Bangladesh here and to give Malaysia good impression about us I am trying to work diligently, showcased a learning attitude and contributing to the success of this project. By working with AIESEC in UKM now I know how to maintain punctuality in terms of work timing and reporting.

Jeong Yoo-Jin (Korea)

Heya, everyone! I'm Yoo-Jin from Korea. I study International Studies and Economics in Korea University. I've always been passionate about travelling abroad and meeting people from various cultures. Coming to Malaysia has given me another great opportunity to do so. Even better, i became a Red Agent! I'm so excited to be part of The Red Project. I believe educating and creating awareness about HIV/AIDS can save lives. Hoorays for every Red Agent! Love you all :)

Iqbal Lhutfi (Indonesia)

Hi guys.. Iqbal here...i'm 19 years old. I'm a second year student in International Accounting in Andalas University, Padang - Indonesia

I'm glad to be a Red's Agent. i wanna spread any knowledge and information about HIV / AIDS. I hope i can conduct the workshop well....cheers..!!

Currently I'm pursuing the Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication. I'm a first year student in National University of Malaysia and of course, I'm an AIESECer.

Looking way back 5 years then, if it wasn't for my brother and Marius, a Romanian intern, I would not be in AIESEC. They had inspired me so much that I want to do the same for someone else - to make a difference in their life - just like how they did to me. I believe that in The Red Project, I can make a difference in someone else's life and project a positive impact to the society. I have a great feeling that this path i take will lead to an awesome journey, be it my life or YOURS.

"We are tiny compared to the world, but that doesn't guarantee we can't make the greatest difference in it." -Lend a hand, Share a life, Make a difference, Achieving impact.

Looi Hui Yi (Director of Finance and Administration)

Hey, AIESEC!! How are you feeling today?

I'm Looi Hui Yi, studying chemical engineering.

Currently I'm in the Department of Finance and Administration. I am glad to be part of The Red Project member.

It is vital to spread the knowledge of HIV. This is to let the people know and how to prevent it.

So, let us do the right thing to let the world know about HIV.

Chin Kuan Yoke ( Director of External Relations)

Hi all, I am Kuan Yoke.

Currently pursuing Bachelor Degree of Economics.

Why am I in the Red Project ? It’s simple...

Because I wanted to be a part of this project.

I am proud to be given this opportunity and really looking forward to work with you guys - Red Agent

Geraldine Olive Chang (Executive of Information Management)

I'm on a mission,

to find a colossal squid,

I'm also a Red Agent,

Hey! ain't that neat.

Don't do drugs,

have safe sex,

cause you'll never know,

If you're next.

I care, I share,

I love the earth green,

welcome to our blog,

I'm Geraldine.

Major : Marine Biology

first year, AIESEC UKM

Calvin Liang Kai Wen (Executive of External Relations)

Hi, I'm Kai Wen. 20 years old. Currently pursuing Bachelor Degree in Genetics in the National University of Malaysia. The reason I join The Red Project is to create a positive impact to this society. I would also like to spread awareness to the public about HIV/AIDS and to reduce the discrimination of public towards the HIV positive. Besides, " can also use this opportunity to improve myself by exposing to projects. AS the saying goes, "you are the same today that you are going to be five years from now except for two things: the people you associate and the books you read.

Previous Red Agents !!

Marta Kaszwoska (Poland)

My name is Marta and I come from Poland. I'm studying Logistics and therefore I wanted to try something different and take part in HIV/AIDS project. I love travelling and getting to know new people!! I hope I will enjoy my staying in Malaysia, the country of diversity!

Arthur Kanza (Tanzania)

Hey guys, I am an intern from Tanzania(East Africa). I study the Bachelor of Accounts of Finance at Mzumbe University.I am an AIESECER and this is my first internship as well as my first time to be in Asia. I love travelling, making new friends, reading and having fun in general. Malaysia is truly Asia, blessed with many cultures and nice people and for sure its a place to be. Being part of the Red team is an honour since I will have a chance to put my theoretical knowledge into practice and become a change agent once I head back home.

Rowena Kwan (Hong Kong)

Hello, everybody! My name is Rowena. I come from Hong Kong, and currently studying Biochemistry in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The reason why I want to be involved in The Red Project is that I do not want anymore people to fall prey of HIV due to their ignorance of it. I really hope what we are doing here can make an impact on the people here.

Vike Vanesha (Indonesia)

Heyy, my name is Vike Vanesha, just call me Vike, 21 years old. I am from Indonesia and currently I'm studying Economic at Andalas University. Actually I was VP OGX in my LC and I decide to take an internship in Red Project because so many reasons. One of them is to feel the truly life changing experience and also complete my AIESEC XP.

I love travelling and eat, hope I can enjoy my time here and conduct the workshop well.

Serendipity struck when I came across AIESEC while in Malaysia. I’ve been here almost a year now and it almost feels like home.

I've been designing graphics, animation, and web UI for clients from different nationalities. I relish experiences like these where you get to work with people from different cultures. One of the reasons why I joined AIESEC.

You won’t see me at workshops as I’m one of those people 'behind the scenes'. I do all the creative content and design thingees for the red project.

Besides design I’m into automobiles and martial arts. I like listening to classical and instrumental music

Jonas Wiedmann (Germany)

My full name is Jonas Wiedmann and I am a natural born German. I was also born and grew up in Germany. So I am pretty much a typical German. I am here for different reasons: - to make my exchange experience, to see another culture, to have a social impact on society, to enhance my working and project skills, and to have a really cool AIESEC experience. My interests beside AIESEC are jogging, hiking in the mountains, and martial arts.

Andreas Papandreau (Greece)

I represent the Mediterranean spirit in the project, I think it would be inappropriate to upload on time the information requested.

Kidding.

Well... I come from Greece, Athens. I have finished my MSc in AUEB few months ago and now I am doing my development traineeship in Malaysia.

I am user-friendly programmed, often updated with the latest news around the world and you can have lots of serious or fun discussions with me. My operation system is as stable as Windows, but I am trying to switch to OS X

I think in order to do everything that I find interesting I would need 3 lifes at least..

Estee Heng Mei Fen (Singapore)

Hey guys! My name is Estée, pronounced es-tay. I literally walked over from the causeway... I'm from Singapore!! Other than working on The Red Project, I spend my time daydreaming about Swing Dancing. I'm also a really good sport when it comes to adrenaline pumping daredevil activities, so try to keep up with me will you? =)

Hmm... Malaysia has proven to be worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, with locals being really warm and sincere (hehe no offence to other fellow Singaporeans).

Hey Malaysia, I am Prateek, from a country, which is a home of several ethnicity and cultures. I belong from the heart of India, i.e. New Delhi, but currently dwelling in Pune, to pursue my Management Studies. I love sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping. I can actually sleep for days together….lolz. Reason behind traveling to an alien country, thousands of miles away is that I personally believe in the strength of The Red Project.

Working with interns from all around the world, have exposed me to different cultural values and working styles. I have fell in love with Malaysia, as people are affable and welcoming, but still struggling for the good Indian food, although liked Nasi Kandar very much. Every second, allied with this project is teaching me something new and inspiring me to see life from new perspectives. Stepping out of my comfort zone has actually made me tough.

I believe, at the end of this internship, experience and memories gathered will be worth cherishing my whole life.Let’s join our hands together, and make this world, a better place to live.

PS: People, who work for the welfare of the mankind, are god’s children……….!!!!!

Patty Ng Pak Yan (Canada)

Hey there Malaysia! My name is Patty and I'm an AIESEC intern from Vancouver, Canada. I'm currently enrolled in University of British Columbia and am going into second year. Personality wise, I'm quite an optimistic person! Whenever I'm happy or sad I'll always look on the bright side, so that way I will still be motivated to move forward. =) Even if I have been in Malaysia for only a week or so, I have been having a BLAST in Malaysia, except the insects...

PS: I love all the Malaysian food here! Just hold back on the chilly! ;P

Meri Lahteenmaki (Finland)

Moi! My name is Meri and I am an intern from Finland. I am 22 years old and study biotech in Helsinki Uni of Technology. I like jogging, cycling, AIESEC-ing, playing piano, kissing, reading, cooking and laughing. In the future I want to save the world and be a good wife. Right now I am really excited about Malaysian culture and The Red Project. I am happy to be here and looking forward to all the surprises that will happen.

Elco Rouwmaat (Netherlands)

I'm Elco Rouwmaat. I'm a twenty year old boy from the Netherlands. I'm a third year Business Administration student. I study and life in Enschede, a small city in the eastern part of Holland. I life in a student house, together with 6 other students. I member of a student fraternity. I work in a pub for students and besides I work at the universities help desk center. My favourite past times are sports and relaxing with friends.

I just arrived in Kuala Lumpur on the 21st of May and I will stay till the end of August. I had a very pleasant flight. I'm not really an AIESEC-er, but I joined for the exchange experience. I chose to join this project, because I think it's important to educate people about HIV/AIDS. Besides I like working together with other foreign students. Malaysia seems like a very nice country with a beautiful nature and friendly inhabitants. In the Netherlands the average temperature is much lower, so I'll have to get accustomed to the climate in Malaysia. Besides in Holland there aren't many wild animals, so it's nice to see all the wildlife of Malaysia.

Wenda Ho Tu Nam (Mauritius)

Hi, I am Wenda Ho Tu Nam and I come from Mauritius. As I know, not a lot of people know about it. I will tell you at least where it is. It is a small island 500 km from Madagascar. OK. Now about personal details: I am 21 years old and I am studying Marketing Management at the University of Mauritius.

I am a fan of music especially dancing. I also like singing i am even part of the conservatoire francois mitterand in the adult choir. My other hobbies are reading romantic books, talking, sleeping, going out, shopping and spending the day with my friends especially at the beach.

Kanika Kamboj (India)

Hi guys! I am Kanika Kamboj from India living in the capital since birth!...I am just 18, going on 19 (the youngest RED AGENT yaeeee!)... I am doing B.Sc Economics and Management from the external system of London School Of Economics, University Of London in a college named Indian School of Business and Finance!...(lol! such a long name and description!)..my hobbies are listening to music, dancing,long drives,facebooking (when there is nothing to do),now IRRITATING CARMEN (the other intern)..hahaha!

Besides I have been a social worker at home. I worked for the blind at various places in New Delhi and even worked for Helpage India and other groups in my school,working for the elderly or environment or any other nobel cause.I was awarded the title of THE SWEETEST THING IN DPS so I dont have to mention about my nature!..lol!..(just for reference DPS is my school name).

I am here not only for an internship but also to have an exposure on an international platform where I can live,work,befriends with people from all over the globe.At the end of the internship,I am looking forward to find the hidden talents in me! and learn how to live independently.Another reason why i chose Malaysian internship was a nobel cause!..looking forward for a wonderful experience :-*

Beverley Cheung Wai Hing (Hong Kong)

Hi everyone, I am Beverley from Hong Kong. I am 21 and studying Management and Economics. I like sports especially squash and swimming. Even I like sports but I don't like to walk a lot. So I am exhausted all the time in the first few days in Malaysia as we need to walk a lot. But I'm starting to get used to it already!!! During the next few weeks, I will my best to contribute to the project. Of course i am looking forward to traveling around Malaysia.

Shreysi Bhatia (India)

Hi! I'm Shreysi Bhatia from India. I'm doing Mechanical Engineering from Manipal (India). I love sports and I enjoy traveling. I whole heartily support the HIV/Aids awareness campaign and request everyone to be a part of it either directly or indirectly:)

Haotian Zheng (China)

My name is Haotian ZHENG, 23 years old, There are lots of reasons for me to come to Malaysia for this "red project", however, the main reasons would as follows:

1. "red project" is a good path way for me to propagate my knowledge as much as possible to the others, not only about HIV/AIDS but also about culture exchange and any other innovative ideas. It is really impressive for me if my knowledge and ideas can inspire the others and at the meanwhile I can get some stimulation from the others as well.

2. To raise the awareness of HIV/AIDS in develeping country among the youth, it is promising work which can make this summer of mine become more worthy and meaningful.

3. As a Food Technology student, most of my study and school experience are more academic and technical oriented. However I would like to enhance my social work skills and learn something else rather than microbiology and molecular techniques...

4. I believed that during this internship i could meet some great friends in Malaysia, and now I back to Holland already, I knew that clearly that I did meet some great persons there

I study in Wageningen University (WUR), the Netherlands, MSc student of Food Technology, specialized in Dairy Science and Technology, My thesis is something about how and which kinds of amino acid of milk protein can stabilize the high protein food.

Jeesoo Kim(South Korea)

Hey, I am Jeesoo Kim. But among AIESEC interns I am known as KIM :) I am 18 now but soon will be 19 in October, so I am even younger than Kanika. I am from South Korea, living in Seoul right now. I used to live in Slovakia for 4 years. Now, I am attending Sogang University in Seoul and I am a freshman. My major is political science. (sounds boring but it's quite fun!) I love watching movies and chatting with friends. I also like sleeping until afternoon:)

Mariette Schaap (Netherlands)

Hey everybody! My name is Mariette. I am a 22 years old student from the Netherlands. I study Economics in Rotterdam where I live with four other girls in a fraternity house. I like to go out with my friends and I love to travel. I will stay two months in Malaysia and look forward to work with all the other Red Angels. I think this internship will be a great experience and that I will learn a lot of all the different cultures, especially of . I am really looking forward to learn more about the culture in Malaysia.

Hyun Mi Kim (South Korea)

AOUU!! Hello, EVERYONE. I am Hyun Mi KIM, 19-year-old girl, and I come from KOREA, republic of. I am the student of KAIST, and my major is business administration which is related to information technology. I like sports, especially SWIMMING, even though I am not good at. Also, I love travelling, listening to music, and reading some books. I'm really a big fan of TVXQ, boy band of Korea, and Agatha Christie!! It is very pleasure for me to get an opportunity to take part in the RED project. I want to feel MALAYSIA with you guys haha:-)

Mattias Rasmusson (Sweden)

I am Mattias, the Swedish man. I have been the senior citizen of the group since the ancient Chinese legend Haotian left. With well beyond two decades of life experiences (I am 23 years old), I am the intern closest to retirement. Alas, as the benighted ages of examinations and lectures came to pass, I have now claimed the title of Master of Medical Science in Medical Informatics.

While pondering the faint memories of student life in my rocking chair, I seem to recall that I pursued this degree in Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm), Royal Institute of Technology (Solna) and Fudan University (Shanghai). Upon my disembarkment from the Northern permafrost, I anticipated a scorching welcome from the tropical sun, the warmhearted greetings from the already in Malaysia present workforce, and a precious opportunity for cross-cultural interaction.

Stating this with a smug look, every prophecy I made about this experience has come true. Due to previous biomedical studies, I have some scientific experience with the HIV virus. My goal here is to complement this knowledge with practical experience from being amongst the general public and the HIV-infected. By observing the reality of people living with the virus, and by talking to the general population about their attitudes towards it, and knowledge about it, I hope to gain useful knowledge unattainable in a library.

Amna Yamin (Pakistan)

Hey and Asalama-u-alikum. I’m Amna from this small country in Asia bordering China, India, Iran and Afghanistan i.e. Pakistan. Impressed by all the Malaysia truly Asia advertisement I packed my bags and flew 6 hours to KLIAfrom Islamabad.

Don’t remember much about the first week here except that I fell in love with Malaysia as soon as I landed. I have been here for a month here, attending and giving Hiv/aids awareness workshops, sexuality festivals and exhibitions and the charm of being here has not diminished one bit. Besides the work there is so much to do here. Love the diversity here.

My studies of BBA (Bachelors in Business Administration) from Nust Business School, Islamabad seems like a distant dream here. I’m returning back to school at the end of this month and am unhappy about it. Best of luck for the Red Project team here!

Aiza Umar (Pakistan)

Heyy everyone!

This is Aiza from Pakistan. Im doing bachelors in business administration back home and i arrived in this incredible country about a month ago.I came across this traineeshjip because im an Aiesecer back home and the idea of going to a country like Malaysia for 2 months was just too good to pass.

So i came here here although the topic of HIV was completely alien to me.but now i think iv learned so much that i could write a book on it:)..and i can write a book on 'people' because i got to meet and make friends with the most incredible and diverse people from all over the world..The best part about this traineeship is that im not just visiting Malaysia but im living Malaysia and making friends for life along the way..Nothing is how i expected it to be because its way way better.and things get better every passing day:)

Daphne Schreur (Netherlands)

Hoi! I am Daphne Schreur from the Netherlands. I’m twenty years old and I study International Economics and Finance at the University of Tilburg.

I’m having a great time there as a student: I am member of a sorority and I joined AIESEC last year as a member of the Incoming Exchange Team. I like playing sports, reading books and of course I love to hang out with friends. I also love to travel and that’s why I decided to do an internship in Malaysia this summer.

I’ve been here for nearly two weeks now and I really love the country! Besides that, I am interested in HIV/AIDS issues in the world and that’s why I am really excited about the coming 6 weeks, in which I will be working as a ‘Red Project Agent’, educating people about HIV/AIDS and working together with all the lovely interns from all over the world :) So I can’t wait to get to work and experience more of the beautiful nature and people here in Malaysia!

Cindy Yuan Rui (China)

Ni hao! This is Cindy from China, or Rui Yuan (my Chinese name) I am 19 years old from the province of Chongqing. I study International Trade and Economy in Chongqing University. I came to Malaysia because I wanted to experience an AIESEC internship and get abroad experience. Zaijian!

Maria Cheng Ngai Yan (Hong Kong)

Hi! I'm Maria from Hong Kong. I am studying my third year in Nursing, so that's one of the reasons why I want to come to Malaysia for the Red Project, as it's so much related to my studies. :) Besides, Malaysia is well-known for its delicious food, so it's particularly attractive to me as eating is one of my hobbies! :P

Malaysia, truly Asia! I'm happy that my internship here does not only let me feel the mixture of Asian culture, but also different culture in different parts of the world, as I'm working with so many interns from different nationalities!

Katerina Janackova (Czech Republic)

Coming soon...

The Malaysian Red Agents !

Ch'ng Yu Jean (Project Director)

Hey people! My name is Yu Jean but more commonly and glamorously spelt as U-Jean :) The Red Project is the first project I'm handling and I'd really anxious to see this project fly. I love all the people in The Red Team and wouldn't trade them for anyone else! Social projects and volunteerism are very close to my heart and leading this team has been an amazing experience for me. I am absolutely honoured and glad to be given this opportunity :D

Ben Roland (Director of People Development)

Hey peeps! It's Ben the evergreen in the house! Mind me have to change my simple description since the previous one was way too formal:) I am an East Malaysian, of course bah, since I am originally from Sabah, the Borneo Island. Sabah bah that!

Currently pursuing the Bachelor Degree in Biotechnology majoring in the Management, anyhow it's great to be part of another project in AIESEC since CREATE 2008 with regard to social issues and youth. I am liking the fact that I'm still learning and adapting to the culture and social environment in the peninsular Malaysia since the things here are slightly way different from what I have back home. No specific hobby in mind but my interests are AIESEC, for now, group socializing and traveling. It's been an utterly wonderful privileged to be able to work with peers from different social backgrounds and culture in this project, and indeed I look forward to achieve more with my beloved team. So peeps let's make things happen!Together we dream, together we are a team!

Chan Shu Shean (Director of Project Coordination)

OOlaaaa! My name is Shu Shean, born in Ipoh, Perak but grow in Manjung, Perak (Northern Part of West Malaysia). A girl who is always try to venture an adventure. I am a psychology student. This is not because I want to be a psychologist, just simple that I hope to know more and learn in this field

Other than AIESEC, I will seek any single opportunity to travel around and daydreaming. ^^ I am glad and pleasant that I can be one of the members in The Red Team. Being part of the team is just an honour to me. Hope we can work together and get this team to ROCK !!

Choo Wei Lin (Director of Marketing)

Hey all, I’m Wei Lin. Given the chance to be one of the Red Agents is the best thing ever to happen in my life. Working together with enthusiastic and passionate people keeps me motivated.

The reason why I’m in The Red Project?

It’s because of one simple question--- What have you done to contribute back to the society? Do you have the answer? Maybe Yes maybe No

Want some workshops from us? Email us :)

Lai Yean San (Director of Finance)

Hi everyone, I'm San! People always assume my San as "SUN". Glad to be part of The Red Team. Hopefully by organizing more HIV & AIDS workshop we can educate and create more awareness in the society. This is a very good experience for me to work together with so many interns from all over the world. We work hard and have fun together. Get to know more about their cultures, their foods and also (lame) jokes. Want to know more? Please visit this blog more often and you can know more about us